Regulation 19 - Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission
2. About our District
2.1 Understanding what Harborough District is like now is essential to understanding the development objectives and overall strategy set out in this Local Plan. Comment
Attractive countryside and treasured heritage
2.2 Settlement in the district dates back to prehistoric times, evidenced by archaeological findings such as the Iron Age Hallaton Treasure. The area expanded significantly during the medieval era, with both Market Harborough and Lutterworth being successful medieval market towns by the 13th century. Harborough District's long history and varied industrial heritage, with links to food and corsetry, as well as the Grand Union Canal, have shaped its landscapes, rich cultural heritage and the built environment we see today. Comment
2.3 The district includes numerous charming villages as well as the historic market towns of Market Harborough and Lutterworth. Many settlements feature traditional stone and brick buildings, historic churches and quaint streetscapes. Notable landmarks include the 17th-century Old Grammar School and St Dionysius Church in Market Harborough. Lutterworth also boasts a rich historic environment in that it was once an important Georgian coaching centre and, is where Sir Frank Whittle, designer of the jet engine, assembled and tested the first Gloster Whittle E28/39s engine. Historic estates, gardens, and points of interest abound, with no less than 63 Conservation Areas, 66 scheduled monuments and 1,280 listed buildings. Comment
2.4 Harborough District is known for its picturesque and varied landscapes. From steep sloping valleys and broad ridges in the north to gentler rolling hills, expansive farmland, and woodlands, the area offers diverse scenery. The River Welland and the Welland Valley are particularly notable for their scenic beauty, creating picturesque riverbanks and floodplains. Foxton Locks, part of the Grand Union Canal, is a significant historic landmark attracting visitors for walking and boating. Comment
Home to a growing population with growing needs
2.5 Harborough is part of a wider Leicester and Leicestershire housing market and functional economic area. This means for housing and job provision, irrespective of where individual district boundaries are drawn, we are functionally in the same area. Many residents commute to Leicester for work or other services. The district's population increased by 14.3% between 2011 and 2021 from around 85,400 to 97,600. (Census 2021, ONS). During the same period 5,687 new homes were built across the district with many more permitted, particularly in Market Harborough and Lutterworth. Comment
2.6 While there has been more rapid growth in recent years, Harborough started from a lower level of development compared to many surrounding areas. It remains in the lowest 20% of areas for population density across English local authority areas in 2021 (Census 2021, ONS). To illustrate, there were about 1.2 people for every football pitch-sized piece of land in the district compared to 35.9 people in Leicester. In the most densely populated areas of the country this figure rises to 112.1 people per football pitch. Comment
2.7 The growth in housing has provided many people, including young families, with access to new homes. This development has also brought with it other indirect benefits to our advantage such a national government grant called the New Homes Bonus. This has helped boost our budgets. In combination with receipts from other development, it has helped to keep Council Tax rates low and has enabled us to support investment in temporary accommodation for homeless people. Comment
2.8 While new homes have helped meet our local housing needs in the last few years, affordability is still challenging for many. The gap between earnings and house prices is wide; prices are ten times the annual average salary (see Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024). In addition, the scale of growth in combination with wider structural issues, such as those faced by the NHS, has put strain on facilities as discussed later in this chapter. Comment
Economic success with limitations
2.9 Harborough District is relatively affluent compared to the rest of the region. Employment is strong and growing. Comment
2.10 There are over 5,000 small and medium size businesses operating in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and professional services. The western parts of the district are part of the 'Golden Triangle' – an area prized by the strategic logistics and distribution sector, being within a four-hour drive of 90% of the UK's population (ONS 2022). Magna Park, one of the largest logistics hubs in Europe, is based near Lutterworth. It contributes significantly to job creation and economic growth. Comment
2.11 Market Harborough's retail sector is thriving. It has a great mix of shops and an award-winning Indoor Market. While the centre is just one of a network of facilities in Leicestershire and surrounding areas, it offers something distinctive. This is a result of the array of independent retailers. There are high street names too, but the independent shops offer a different experience and range of products. Comment
2.12 As highlighted in our Economic Development Strategy (2024), while the metrics all point to an economically successful area, income inequality persists. This can be particularly the case in some rural areas. Poor transport links can inhibit access to jobs and education. There are other challenges too. While the logistics sector is a big employer, available jobs tend to be lower skilled. Transformation of business practices – especially in logistics – with Artificial Intelligence and robotics technology increasingly deployed may reduce the number of jobs overall (see Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024). Comment
Healthy living, but with service access hurdles
2.13 People in Harborough live longer than the average for England, for both men and women (OHID, Public Health Profiles, 2021). However, access to services and amenities can be challenging, particularly in rural areas. This is compounded by increased service delivery costs in rural areas as explained in Harborough Health and Wellbeing Strategy, 2022 – 2027. Comment
2.14 One in five residents is over 65 and nearly a third of households include someone with a long-term health problem or disability (see Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024). The number of households with support and care needs is expected to rise, linked to our ageing population. These demographic changes increase pressures on key services such as GPs. Population growth more broadly in recent years has meant an uptick in demand for schools, community and sports facilities. Capacity challenges at secondary school level and GP capacity are particularly acute in some parts of the district. Comment
2.15 Many of our infrastructure needs are served beyond our district boundaries in Leicester, an example being advanced medical services in larger hospitals that are unavailable in the Harborough District. Leicester's universities and cultural amenities also play a significant role in the lives of Harborough District residents. Comment
Well-connected but car-reliant
2.16 Harborough District is well-connected by major road connections, including the M1 motorway, A6, A5 and A14. The Midland Main Line passing through the area is a core route for essential aggregate flows, linking quarries in the Peak District and London/the Southeast. Passenger rail services from Market Harborough railway station connect the district to other major towns cities including Leicester and London. Various bus services connect key locations and the National Cycle Network routes NCN6 and NCN64 provide low-traffic routes for cycling. However, challenges remain, such as congestion on the A6 and routes connecting to the M1, air pollution, limited rail services northward, low cycling rates and limited bus service frequency and coverage, especially in rural areas. Comment
Scenic but with low biodiversity and pollution challenges
2.17 Harborough District boasts a range of open spaces, including a network of green links and waterways (green and blue infrastructure). Many of these provide wildlife habitats; however, the area is relatively poor in biodiversity and geodiversity assets compared to other parts of the country. Less than 2% of the area has been formally identified for its nature conservation importance. Comment
2.18 Tackling water pollution, largely influenced by road and urban run-off, agricultural activities and sewage discharges, remains a significant issue with biodiversity and wider environmental impacts. Comment
Ready to take action, but in a climate emergency
2.19 Harborough District declared a climate emergency in 2019. The main climate issues for Harborough, as identified in the Harborough Climate Change Risk Assessment, 2024 include: Comment
- Carbon Emissions from Transport: Road transport is a significant source of emissions in Harborough, accounting for 55% of the district's total emissions. The rural nature of the district means many journeys are car-dependent, and there is a strong need to reduce these emissions by promoting sustainable transport options.
- Increased Temperature and Overheating: Harborough is expected to experience hotter, drier summers with the potential for extreme heatwaves. This raises the risk of overheating, particularly in residential and commercial buildings, which could significantly affect health and wellbeing.
- Flooding: The district is increasingly vulnerable to more frequent storms due to warmer weather and wetter winters, increasing regularity and intensity of both surface water flooding and fluvial flood events. Managing flood risk involves a range of approaches to minimise flood risk from all sources including surface water. Flood management and the design of developments to be more resilient are key adaptation strategies.
- Water Stress: Harborough faces the risk of household water shortages and increased water stress due to seasonal climate variations. This highlights the importance of policies aimed at water efficiency and greywater harvesting.
- Impact on Agriculture and Biodiversity: Climate change will also affect local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Seasonal shifts in rainfall and temperature can impact soil quality and the health of terrestrial and freshwater species.
2.20 These issues underscore the need for both mitigation efforts, such as reducing carbon emissions, and adaptation strategies to build resilience to the future impacts of climate change. Comment
